Typical Career Paths

Public Administration Career Opportunities

Although the MPA Degree naturally prepares students a career in public service, graduates can make their paths–as they are prepared to lead and manage organizations. Nevertheless, the traditional careers for MPA graduates are numerous. Given our unique hybrid, innovative policy-administration curriculum, our MPA graduates are prepared to manage individuals and organizations, writing and analyzing policy, implementation of law, overseeing public monies, and most importantly, advancing the public good. Below are a few of the typical career paths MPA graduates take, but the list is not exhaustive.

 

Career	Description
Policy Analysts	Utilize research to facilitate in the creation of regulations, rule-making, and laws
Budget Analysts	Utilize knowledge of public financing to manage budgets and facilitate proper institutional spending
Health Care Administrators	Manages health programs that are pertinent to organizational mission
Human Resource Managers	Facilitate in staffing organizations to meet logistic and personnel needs
Program Managers/ Analysts	Utilize content knowledge and research to manage specific organizational programs
City Managers	Manages the day-to-day functions of a city such as budgeting, ordinances, and administration
Social/Community Service Manager	Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being.
Urban and Regional Planners	Assess and report the planning needs of local and state governments

 

American Society for Public Administration

The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) is a large and respected association for public administration professionals in the country. ASPA is a resource for public professionals. ASPA hosts professional development programs for those new to the field.

USAJobs

USAJobs.gov is the official job board for federal government positions in the United States. By registering with the website and creating a profile, users can access thousands of job opportunities in every federal organization and agency in the country. The site is free to use and supports résumé uploading to facilitate application to various federal government positions. The site allows searching by position, agency or area.

International City/County Management Association

The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) is a professional resource for local government managers at various stages of their careers. In addition to providing career development information and an extensive knowledge base for working professionals, ICMA hosts a dedicated job center for both early and mid-career job seekers.

Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration

The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) is a professional membership organization. NASPAA offers useful tips, articles and other resources for new job seekers with and other public affairs degrees.

Public Service Careers

PublicServiceCareers.org is a tremendous resource for public sector jobs in government, nonprofits, NGOs and the universities. The website was created by three professional associations—the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM), the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).

 

Additional Links

https://www.workforgood.org// – Nonprofit job openings
http://nonprofitemployment.com/ – More Nonprofit job openings
https://careers.councilofnonprofits.org/ – More Nonprofit job openings